Manager

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Madrid Operations Team 5, Madrid Operations Service, Madrid Operations Division of the Madrid Registry.  The Madrid Operations Division is responsible for receiving, processing and registering international trademark applications and associated transactions.  The Madrid Operations Team 5 specializes in providing personalized support to large clients, guiding them in the administration of their trademark portfolios.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent is responsible for managing the work and staff of the Team, ensuring timely, accurate and quality functional support to users of the Madrid System on issues related to the registration and management of international trademarks.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Madrid Operations Service.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Lead, plan and control the team’s work, determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion and timely and quality delivery of work in accordance with results-based management principles as well as key performance indicators.

b.  Lead the client advising activities of the Principle Client Advisors, Client Advisors/Examiners and the other team members, develop and manage the communication activities with the clients.

c.  Develop, organize and perform training activities for the target clients and align teamwork with the clients’ needs and set up a client focused work atmosphere.

d.  Advise and guide the team members on the handling of complex and contentious issues.  Develop and coordinate training plans for staff.

e.  Manage the staff of the team, including in the areas of conflict prevention and absence management.  Supervise all team members and evaluate the work and performance of the Principle Client Advisors, Client Advisors/Examiners and the other team members.

f.   Cooperate with the Heads of Operations Service to foster contacts and enhance collaboration with the Madrid System users and authorities on operational matters.

g.  Liaise and coordinate with work units in the Sector in the execution of the tasks.  Provide reports and periodic summaries to the Head of the Operations Service on the performance of the team and individual level.

h.  Promote and ensure a harmonious and motivated working environment in which all team members can perform their professional responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner.

i.   Substantively participate in and/or provide training and expert advice at seminars and information meetings.  Participate in missions when required.

j.   Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree.  A first-level university degree plus two years of relevant professional experience in addition to the years of experience mentioned below may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least seven years of relevant experience, three of which in an IP office or comparable working environment.

Experience in supervising a large team.

Experience in examination under the Madrid System.

Language (Essential)

Excellent written and spoken knowledge of English.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN language.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Thorough understanding of the international trademark examination rules and regulations and the operational processes in the Madrid Registry.

Ability to explain the rules, regulations and procedures governing the area of work.

Customer/client oriented, with the ability to deliver a high-quality customer/client service, improving service execution, delivery and outcomes.

Ability to lead and motivate a team.

Excellent time management and work organization skills.  Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Results-oriented.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint), databases, information management systems and the internet;  ability to adapt quickly to new software.

4.     Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.

2.    Showing team spirit.

3.    Demonstrating integrity.